Do actors get nervous before performances?

Question:i was just wondering if actors/actresses get nervous before performing on stage (or in front of cameras) or if it's not a big deal to them.
up until about 4 or 5 months ago i used to hate acting purely because i got way to embarassed performing in front of people. then one day, i don't know why, i was watching a movie and i suddenly just told myself 'hey acting would actually be a brilliant job!' and now i really want to act! the really weird thing is that as soon as i told myself that i wasn't as shy in front of people and as soon as i start to act i don't feel shy at all. but before i start acting i feel a little nervous deep down - nothing like how i used to be but i'm worried that before a performance i might be really scared because i'd be acting in front of loads of people. will i grow out of it or are all actors like that.
and what about singing, i've been told i can sing but that would be even more scary.

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: i was just wondering if actors/actresses get nervous before performing on stage (or in front of cameras) or if it's not a big deal to them.
up until about 4 or 5 months ago i used to hate acting purely because i got way to embarassed performing in front of people. then one day, i don't know why, i was watching a movie and i suddenly just told myself 'hey acting would actually be a brilliant job!' and now i really want to act! the really weird thing is that as soon as i told myself that i wasn't as shy in front of people and as soon as i start to act i don't feel shy at all. but before i start acting i feel a little nervous deep down - nothing like how i used to be but i'm worried that before a performance i might be really scared because i'd be acting in front of loads of people. will i grow out of it or are all actors like that.
and what about singing, i've been told i can sing but that would be even more scary.

At first you get nervous because youre not used to performing in front of people. But after a while you learn to get used to the people watching you. what worked for me was focusing on the fact that all the people in the audience came to see a great show and paid money to see me and the rest of the cast perform and ill just let them down if i let them see im nervous. because believe me, even if you dont say your nervous it will come across in your performance. so if you focus on that, you will not get nervous anymore

i have been in 19 plays as a major role and the way i keep myself going is to tell myself " the people out there want a good show and they will say i did a good job." that pretty much means that i have been preparing for about 3 months and i know that i know my lines and it would be more embarrassing to back out. HOPE THAT HELPED! and good luck!

-brianna

being nervous is very normal. almost EVERYONE gets nervous before a performance. you are so worried about you remember lines, movements, trying to do your best, etc.
and you might 'grow out' of it. i believe that if you are always acting, i think the nerves wear off.

yes most actors get nervous..but most of them have learned how to channel that anxiety to aid their performance. Its a skill that's gained through experience

Don't let 'em kid you, sweetheart. Even the best get them butterflies. You need that moment of flutters to help propel you into a really great performance.

I'm currently in the Play Peter Pan and I've done many others. I'm here to say that yes, before every performance I always get nervous that I'm going to forget something or trip up on a line.

So to make sure my nervousness doesn't ruin me, I study my lines and blocking extra hard. When I'm assured that I've studied and memorized hard enough, I'm more confident when I step onto that stage and give the audience the show that they want!

So no worries everybody gets stage fright sometime in their lives :)

when i was on tv i was nervous but controlled it. taking deep breaths before doing some thing can relax you while on stage. it mind over matter. It is a natural feeling. but can be controlled. mind over matter.

Yes and it means that you care about your craft and your performance.

When I auditioned for the director of the TV show 'Friday Night Lights' I was literally sweating from my palms but i nailed the audtioning and got the role.

When we shot the episode I thought I was having breathing trouble and thought I was going to pass out during the first two takes. A follow local actor asked me if I was ok in between takes but again I nailed the scene so well that the crew applauded me when we rapped but i was still nervous.

Two weeks later that booked me in another episode, same character.

I'm not trying to brag. I've been doing this for over 20 years and I still have doubts and insecurity before most auditions and performances.

Good luck to you

well, i was doing theatre a few months ago, and i was buzzing before i went on,!! i wasnt nervous i dont think!!
i couldnt control myself!
and then the light were there and 750 people in the audience (in the small room) and i was like.. wow.!
i love it!

I've bee on stage for over 10 years and I still get nervous..
It's how you chane it that makes the difference.
i've seensome awesome performers give terrible shows becaue they fall to pieces and some average performers rock the theatre simply because they turn thier nerves into adrenaline.
with experience, you learn to do this easier.
As for singing, if your shy, just bite the bullet and do it.
Don't listen too much to what people tell you, only you know if you're happy wth your performance.

Many and probably most, do feel some of the jitters. Several have admitted to throwing up! I read one saying that was her energy, another that it fueled his desire to prove to himself how good he could be. A nice couple of deep breath before going on, but the best thing to do is be prepared. Jitters or not, You can do it!